"Are we behind it?" Iran bristles at allegations it plotted a terror attack on a US military base in the UK, calling them "malicious fabrication"

[Financial News] Iran, identified as the likely force behind an alleged bombing plot uncovered near a British air base hosting US bombers, has categorically denied any involvement and strongly protested.
The Embassy of Iran, London issued a statement on X, formerly Twitter, on the 28th local time, saying, "Claims by some Britons and media outlets that Iran was linked to the five suspects arrested near RAF Fairford are baseless and malicious speculation," and strongly condemned them. It added, "The spread of such fabricated speculation after the United States and Israel committed criminal acts against the Iranian people amounts to nothing more than fueling propaganda for 'Iranophobia' in the United Kingdom," warning that it could take appropriate legal action if necessary to protect the rights and interests of the country and its people.
Counter Terrorism Policing arrested five men the previous day in Whelford near RAF Fairford on suspicion of preparing terrorist acts targeting the base and violating explosives laws. All five were identified as British nationals from London, aged between 23 and 25. Because RAF Fairford is a key strategic site where US bombers conducting operations against Iran are stationed, speculation has repeatedly arisen about possible sabotage by Iran or Russia.
However, doubts are also emerging over whether a backer was involved, as it turned out that this breakthrough resulted not from an elaborate advance intelligence operation but from an ordinary resident's sharp eyes. A farmer from a nearby village told the BBC, "Men wearing hats and masks were wandering around, but they ran away when they saw me. I found it suspicious and immediately reported it, and within 10 minutes the village was packed with armed police," adding, "I think my report thwarted their plan."
British police leading the investigation are examining from multiple angles the possibility of geopolitical links to Russia, Iran and other actors, as well as Islamist motives. A police official said they were aware of the public focus on who might be behind the plot, but urged the public to "refrain from hasty speculation so that investigators can determine the facts carefully and clearly." 

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